"Naruto, Sakura..."
As Iruka called out the team assignments for the graduating class, Sasuke Uchiha listened attentively. In the original timeline, he had been placed in Team 7 alongside Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno. But now, after the various recent changes, Sasuke wasn't sure if the same fate awaited him. Even his older brother Itachi hadn't disclosed anything last night about which team Sasuke would be placed in. According to village policy, such information was withheld until officially announced.
"And Satoshi Ito," Iruka finally called out the last member of Team 7.
The result caught Sasuke off guard. While surprising, it also made sense. Originally, he had been grouped with Naruto and Sakura for balance—his top-tier performance countering Naruto's poor academic scores, with Sakura bridging the gap with her exceptional theory results. This was, on the surface, about average team composition, but it was also a subtle social experiment by the higher-ups.
But now things had shifted. Sasuke's theoretical scores had slipped, ranking him only in the middle of the graduating class. Naruto, too, was no longer at the bottom—his practical combat ability had risen dramatically, compensating for his weak academics. It seemed he had inherited this raw combat instinct from his late mother, Kushina Uzumaki.
Sakura remained the class's top performer in theory, and the newcomer, Satoshi Ito, was someone Sasuke barely knew—a quiet, glasses-wearing boy whose abilities had never particularly stood out in class.
"Team 8: Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga."
"...Team 10: Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi."
Iruka continued reading off team assignments, but Sasuke's name still hadn't been called. A sense of confusion began to settle in.
"Team 11: Uchiha Sasuke, Sai..."
…??
Sasuke immediately raised his hand. "Iruka-sensei, I have a question. Why is one of my teammates someone from outside our class? I've never even heard of this Sai."
Of course, Sasuke was lying. He knew exactly who Sai was. In the original timeline, Sai had joined the restructured Team 7 after Sasuke's defection. He was a member of Root under Danzo's command and specialized in Super Beast Imitating Drawing, a technique that brought ink creatures to life. Initially emotionless and cold, Sai had eventually grown through his interactions with Naruto and Sakura—developing bonds, understanding emotion, and even marrying Ino Yamanaka by the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War. In that reality, he became one of the more quietly successful shinobi of his generation.
But none of that mattered now. What mattered was: Sai had originally been promoted to Chunin at age ten. So… why was he being placed on a Genin squad?
"Because the number of graduates this year wasn't divisible by three," Iruka began explaining calmly. "After dividing the first ten teams, we had one extra student. So, the higher-ups decided to supplement your team with ninjas of similar age from outside the academy. Sai is only a year older than you, and despite already being a Chunin, he has been temporarily assigned to your team to ensure smoother mission performance."
"Sasuke's so lucky, getting teamed up with a Chunin!"
"Seriously, I wish I had that kind of luck!"
"Wait, are you saying you don't want to be on my team?"
"Ah?! No—of course not!"
Whispers and envious glances filled the classroom, many fixating on Sasuke. Iruka's explanation made sense—there were 31 students this year. Not a multiple of three. Which meant one person would be left alone. That person… was Sasuke.
Whether it was coincidence or premeditated, Sasuke had no way of knowing. But one thing was certain: Sai's assignment reeked of Danzo's influence. The Root leader always had a hidden agenda.
Sasuke sank back into his seat. If this was orchestrated, it meant someone was keeping close watch on him. His final teammate might also have been chosen—or would be chosen—by higher authorities.
"The last member of Team 11: To be determined."
Iruka's announcement confused Sasuke. What did that mean? A placeholder? Or something more ominous?
"Ahem... because there are no available ninjas of similar age in the village at this time, the final member of your squad is still being decided. If a suitable candidate emerges later, they'll be added to Team 11," Iruka added, sympathy creeping into his voice. He, too, recognized how unusual this situation had become for Sasuke.
Sasuke couldn't say whether he felt good or bad about it. On one hand, he wouldn't have to team up with some random 30-year-old. On the other, his squad would be operating with limited manpower for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, Sai was capable enough to make up the difference in short-term combat. The question remained: Who would be their Jonin leader?
"Alright, that concludes team assignments. Your Jonin instructors will arrive shortly to pick you up. But don't get too comfortable just yet," Iruka warned. "Becoming a real ninja is far from easy."
He left the classroom, leaving a cloud of unease behind.
"What did he mean by that?"
"Haven't we already graduated?"
Sasuke wasn't concerned. He knew exactly what Iruka meant—the Bell Test. A trial that determined whether a team would be officially recognized or sent back to the Academy. Given his current abilities, Sasuke had no doubt he could pass, no matter who the instructor was. Besides, Team 11's structure was already different; they might not follow the standard test at all.
Before long, the other Jonin instructors—Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, and others—entered to retrieve their assigned squads.
While waiting, Sasuke opened his system panel to assess his current status.
---
Host: Sasuke Uchiha
Spiritual Power: 48,563
Chakra: 5,163
Zanpakutō: Ryūjin Jakka (Flowing Blade Like Flame), Kyōka Suigetsu (Mirror Flower, Water Moon), Senbonzakura (Thousand Cherry Blossoms)
Kidō (Demon Arts): Proficient
Shunpo (Flash Step): Proficient
Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand Combat): Adequate
Zanjutsu (Swordsmanship): Adequate
Kekkei Genkai: Sharingan (Unawakened)
System Space Size: 22×22
---
His spiritual energy had finally surpassed the threshold required for Bankai training. Chakra reserves were considerable. His mastery of low-to-mid-level Kidō was excellent—though high-tier incantations remained out of reach. Shunpo could be executed a hundred times consecutively. However, more advanced movement skills like Utsusemi or Kōkai were still inaccessible.
Progress in Hakuda and Zanjutsu remained slow, which frustrated him.
Interestingly, he discovered that his System Space expanded with time—growing by one meter annually. This ensured he could always keep his Zanpakutō close at hand, regardless of their number or size.
Suddenly, a familiar figure entered the classroom.
"Members of Team 11."
Sasuke's eyes widened in shock. No way.
"Nii-san?" he stood up instinctively, voice full of disbelief.
Itachi Uchiha had entered. He glanced at Sasuke, but his expression remained neutral.
"I'm looking for the members of Team 11," he repeated.
Apparently, even Itachi hadn't been informed of his squad members ahead of time. He was only told that his team would consist of two: one older ninja (Sai), and a graduate from the current class. No names had been given.
Sasuke approached and explained the situation. Itachi seemed surprised, but inwardly pleased. It was a rare, unexpected opportunity for the two brothers.
Together, they exited the classroom.
At the front gates of the Academy, a Konoha Jonin in a short black sleeve top and carrying a short blade on his back waited silently.
As they walked forward, Itachi turned to Sasuke, gently poking his forehead.
"You'll have to start calling me sensei now, Sasuke."
He smiled faintly.